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Pocheon police recognize cafe patron who foiled 60 million won phishing attempt

Published: 24 Feb. 2026, 15:51

A mobile alert appears on a smartphone to warn voice scam calls [JOONGANG]

A quick-thinking cafe customer overheard a suspicious conversation and alerted police, stopping a phishing scam and saving the potential victim from losing 60 million won ($42,000).

Pocheon Police Precinct awarded a certificate of appreciation to the person who reported the attempt, the precinct said Monday.

The caller was at a coffee shop in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, on Feb. 9 when they heard a conversation between two other customers. Phrases such as “stock investment funds” and “Can you show me the cash?” were overheard, and the potential victim appeared ready to hand over bundles of cash to a man.

The caller quietly left the cafe and reported the incident to 112, saying, “It is almost certain this is voice phishing — a courier is speaking with the victim.”

Police officers immediately arrived at the scene and arrested the courier. The potential victim narrowly avoided losing 60 million won.

The caller had previously fallen prey to a loan fraud voice phishing scheme disguised as job placement assistance in 2024 and is currently awaiting trial, police stated.

“Because of my previous experience as a victim, I immediately recognized the scam tactic,” the caller said. “I was worried someone might be victimized, so I reported it right away.”

“The swift and courageous report by the individual who rendered distinguished service allowed us to prevent significant damage,” Pocheon Police Chief Han Sang-gu said. “Police will continue working with citizens to eradicate voice phishing.”

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY JUNG SI-NAE [[email protected]]